Games controller and trigger therefor

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a games controller for controlling electronic games, input device for a computer program and a trigger mechanism therefor. The trigger mechanism comprises a trigger body having a plurality of walls defining an internal chamber. The plurality of walls include a base wall and an orifice defined in the base wall. A detent is detachably mounted on the trigger body. The detent is at least partially received in the orifice and the detent is rotatable with respect to the trigger body. The detent comprises at least one abutment surface which is eccentrically arranged with respect to the rotational axis of the detent.

PRIORITY

This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 15/362,134 filed onNov. 28, 2016, which claims priority from U.S. Ser. No. 62/260,394 filedon Nov. 27, 2015. The entire contents of both Ser. Nos. 15/362,134 and62/260,394 are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The invention relates to controllers for controlling the play ofcomputerized games and to a trigger mechanism for a games controller.More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to anadjustable actuator system, such as a trigger button, of a gamecontroller for a gaming console and to a method of adjusting the rangeof travel of an actuator.

BACKGROUND

There are many different types of gaming consoles currently availablefor operating a video game. For example, Microsoft®, Sony® and Nintendo®manufacture the Xbox®, PlayStation® and Wii® gaming consoles,respectively. The gaming consoles typically include a game controller sothat a user can control the operation of the video game.

Some known game controllers include a form of actuator system for theoperation of control of the functions of the video games. Actuators,buttons or other depressible or manually operable devices are typicallyused for controlling discrete actions such as the firing of a weapon oran attack command. It is known to provide a button or actuator which isintended to be operable by the index finger of a user; such buttons arecommonly known as triggers.

At times, dependent upon the video game being played, it can benecessary to depress the trigger a distance before the triggerinitiation point is reached and the command actually acknowledged. Thisrenders part of the depressing action futile. Likewise, after thecommand has been operated, it is often possible to carry out furtherdepression of the trigger past the trigger initiation point. Thisfurther depression is unnecessary and may also be disadvantageous.

Furthermore, in other situations in some video games, the strength of acommand is increased or decreased dependent upon how frequently thetrigger is depressed. As such, depressing the trigger the whole distanceis unnecessary and excessive for the command or operation required.

It is desirable to have a controller, particularly for gamingapplications, that is more responsive or has less scope for allowingunnecessary over-movement by the user of the controller. It is alsodesirable to provide a trigger mechanism which can be readily adjusteddependent upon the game being controlled to alter the degree of travelof the trigger mechanism.

Due to the rapidly expanding gaming market and development of involvedgames invoking considerable player input, it is desirable for players tobe able to customize their controllers in order to gain increasedcontrol in a variety of gaming circumstances.

Games controllers may comprise a haptic feedback system such as avibrating or rumble motor (an off-centered or eccentric weight attachedto the rotational shaft of the motor that causes the motor to wobble orvibrate). Such a haptic feedback system may be mounted or disposed withthe trigger body or chassis. It is an object of the present invention toprovide an adjustable trigger mechanism which can accommodate a hapticfeedback system.

The present invention seeks to improve upon or at least mitigate some ofthe problems associated with controllers of the prior art by providing agame controller, which includes an adjustable trigger system that has amechanism to allow the end user to control or recalibrate the maximumand/or minimum trigger positions.

SUMMARY

There are a variety of different commands available for the triggerfunctions of a game controller, and the adjustable trigger system of thepresent invention now provides users with the option to customize thetrigger settings to suit the individual game at the time of operation.

In some embodiments the trigger system includes adjustments for theamount that the trigger is depressed before there is no more motionavailable to be made by the operator. This removes any unnecessarydistance travelled by the trigger.

The present invention provides a method of controlling the amount ofavailable motion of a trigger system dependent upon the gamingcircumstances.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided atrigger mechanism for a games controller for controlling electronicgames, the trigger mechanism comprising:

a trigger body having a plurality of walls defining an internal chamber,the plurality of walls including a base wall and an orifice defined inthe base wall;

a detent detachably mounted on the trigger body, the detent at leastpartially received in the orifice and wherein the detent is rotatablewith respect to the trigger body;

the detent comprising at least one abutment surface, eccentricallyarranged with respect to the rotational axis of the detent.

Optionally, the detent comprises a push fitting for securing the detentto the trigger body.

Optionally, the detent is rotatable between a first position and asecond position.

Optionally, in the first position the detent is stowed within theinterior chamber of the trigger body.

Optionally, the detent comprises a pair of oppositely disposed trunnionsreceivable in a partial cylinder provided by a receiver disposed withinthe interior chamber.

Optionally, the detent comprises a pair of opposing surfaces.

Optionally, the detent is rotatable about an axis which extends throughthe base wall.

Optionally, the detent rotates about an axis substantially perpendicularto the plane of the base wall.

Optionally, the detent rotates about an axis extending substantiallyradially from an outer surface of the base wall.

Optionally, the detent is toollessly detachable from the trigger body.

Optionally, the at least one abutment surface is rotatable from a firstposition and a second position, the abutment surface being disposed incloser proximity to the rotational axis of the detent in the secondposition than in the first position.

Optionally, a trigger mechanism comprises a face plate detachablymounted to the trigger body and wherein the detent is disposed behindthe face plate.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided anapparatus for supplying user inputs to a computer program, such as agame program, for controlling the game program, the apparatus comprisingat least one depressible trigger mechanism, the trigger mechanismcomprising a trigger body having a detent for manual adjustment of thedepressible range of the trigger mechanism;

the trigger body comprising a plurality of walls, including a base wall,the plurality of walls defining an interior chamber of the trigger body;

the base wall comprising an orifice for receiving at least in part thedetent, the detent being detachably mounted to the trigger body andbeing rotatable with respect to the trigger body, the detent comprisingat least one abutment surface eccentrically arranged with respect to therotational axis of the detent.

Optionally, the detent is rotatable between a first position and asecond position, the trigger mechanism being depressible through a firstrange when the detent is in the first position and through a secondrange when the detent is in the second position, the second range beingshorter than the first range.

Optionally, the apparatus comprises a casing wherein rotation of thedetent through 180 degrees rotates a first one of the abutment surfacesfrom a position facing towards the casing to a position facing away fromthe casing.

Optionally, the detent comprises a pair of opposed abutment surfaces.

Optionally, the apparatus is a hand held controller for a games consolecomprising an outer case, and a plurality of controls are located on afront and a top of the controller; the controller being shaped to beheld in both hands of a user such that the user's thumbs are positionedto operate controls located on the front of the controller and theuser's index fingers are positioned to operate controls located on thetop of the controller.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided atrigger mechanism for a games controller for controlling electronicgames, the trigger mechanism comprising:

a trigger body having a plurality of walls including a front wall, theplurality of walls defining an interior chamber of the trigger body, thefront wall comprising an inner surface and an outer surface;

an actuator comprising a first component mounted on the inner surface ofthe front wall;

a bore extending from the outer surface of the front wall to theinterior chamber and defining a bore within the first component coupledto a second component coupled to the first component and a screw threadfor adjusting the position of the second component with respect to thefirst component.

Optionally, the second component comprises an external screw thread andis rotatably mounted within the bore.

Optionally, the second component comprises a first end forming anabutment surface.

Optionally, the first component comprises an external thread and thesecond component comprises an internal thread which receives theexternal thread of the first component and the bore provides access to ascrew drive enabling torque to be applied to the second component.

Optionally, the second component is in communication with a transducer,and wherein adjustment of the position of the second component withrespect to the first component affects an electrical characteristic ofthe transducer.

Optionally, the second component comprises an abutment surface forabutment with a transducer.

Optionally, the transducer is a pressure sensor.

Optionally, the second component comprises a magnet for actuating amagnetic sensor.

Optionally, the second component is coupled to a potentiometer so as toadjust an electrical characteristic of the potentiometer.

Optionally, the trigger mechanism further comprises a face platedetachably mounted to the trigger body, the face plate concealing theorifice in the front wall.

Optionally, there is provided an apparatus for supplying user inputs toa computer program, such as a game program, for controlling the gameprogram, the apparatus comprising at least one depressible triggermechanism.

Optionally, the apparatus further comprises the trigger mechanism.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged and intended thatthe various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternativesset out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in thefollowing description and drawings may be taken independently or in anycombination thereof. For example, features described in connection withone embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there isincompatibility of features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration from above of the front of a gamesconsole controller according to the present invention;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views from below of the rear panel of agames console controller according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an internal view of a trigger mechanism according to a firstembodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view from below of a trigger mechanism accordingto a first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a trigger mechanism according to a firstembodiment;

FIG. 7 is a side view of a trigger mechanism according to a firstembodiment in which a stop mechanism is in a second condition;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a trigger mechanism according to a firstembodiment in which a stop mechanism is in the first condition;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view from below of the rear panel of a gamesconsole controller according to a second embodiment;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views from below of a trigger mechanismaccording to the second embodiment; and

FIG. 12 is an internal view of the trigger mechanism of FIGS. 10 and 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the games controllerand its trigger mechanism are disclosed herein. It will be understoodthat the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in whichcertain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not representan exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied.Indeed, it will be understood that the games controller and its triggermechanism described herein may be embodied in various and alternativeforms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may beexaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components.Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarilydescribed in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the presentdisclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to variously employ the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 there is shown a controller 1 according to anembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows the controls which aremounted on the front and FIG. 2 shows the controls mounted on the top ofthe controller 1. Specifically, the front of the controller 1 isprovided with left and right analogue thumb sticks 2, 3 which normallycontrol movement and are intended to be operated by the user's left andright thumbs respectively. There are four buttons 4, located on aforward-right portion of the controller 1, which normally controladditional actions and are intended to be operated by the user's rightthumb. There is a direction pad 5 located on a forward-left portion ofthe front of the controller 1. The direction pad 5 is intended to beoperated by the user's left thumb, typically either as an alternative tothe left thumb stick 2 or to provide additional actions. There are aleft trigger 6, a right trigger 7, a left bumper 8 and a right bumper 9located on the front of the controller 1, see FIG. 2. The left and righttriggers 6, 7 are typically operated by a user's index fingers. The leftand right bumpers 8, 9 may also be operated by a user's index fingers.

FIG. 2 illustrates a back of the controller 1. Two paddle levers 11A,11B, are mounted to the back of the controller 1. The paddle levers 11A,11B are configured to replicate the function of one or more of thecontrols provided upon the front of the controller 1. The paddle levers11A, 11B are mounted to a housing 12 by a mechanical fixing.

The housing 12 defines a pair of handles H1, H2 which a user may graspwhen operating the controller 1. The paddle levers 11A, 11B areconfigured to be operated by a middle finger of an operator which iswrapped around the handles H1, H2.

FIG. 3 illustrates a back panel 14 of the controller; the back panel 14forms a part of the body or housing 12 of the controller 1. The housing12 comprises a pair of apertures A in a top edge thereof. The aperturesmay be defined entirely within the back panel 14 or in part in the backpanel 14. An actuator, in the form of a trigger mechanism 6, extendsthrough each aperture A; one of the trigger mechanisms has been omittedfrom FIG. 3 for illustrative purposes. FIG. 3 illustrates a left triggermechanism 6 extending through one of the apertures A.

FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrate a trigger mechanism 6 for mounting in theapertures A of the housing 12. The Figures illustrate a left handedtrigger mechanism; it will be appreciated that the right handed triggermechanism is substantially the same in structure albeit a mirror imageof that shown in FIGS. 4 to 6. The left and right trigger mechanisms 6,7 will be described by reference to the left trigger mechanism 6.

The trigger mechanism 6 is movable through a predefined range of motionwith respect to the housing 12.

The trigger mechanism 6 comprises a trigger body 18 which may bepivotally mounted to the housing 12; in the illustrated embodiment thetrigger body is mounted to the back panel 14. The trigger mechanism 6comprises a pair of trunnions 22 for pivotally mounting the trigger body18 to the housing 12.

The trigger mechanism 6 comprises a sensor, not shown. The sensor maycomprise a displacement transducer. The sensor may be analogue ordigital in nature and arranged to measure a parameter indicative of theposition of the trigger body 18 with respect to the housing 12 so as tosense or detect the position of the trigger body 18 with respect to thehousing 12. For example, but not limited to, the sensor may take theform of: a potentiometer; a magnetic sensor; a Hall effect sensor; or aforce or pressure sensitive switch or pad. The sensor is coupled tocontrol electronics on a printed circuit board.

The trigger mechanism 6 comprises an interchangeable face plate 20. Theface plate 20 is mounted to the trigger body 18 by a mechanical fixingsuch as a snap or bayonet style fitting.

The trigger mechanism 6 comprises a hair trigger mechanism for adjustingthe start position or rest position of the trigger body 18 with respectto the back panel 14.

The trigger body 18 comprises a shaft 30 extending from an inner face ofthe trigger body 18. An orifice or bore 32 extends through the shaft 30from a front surface of the trigger body 18 to the interior of thetrigger body 18.

The face plate 20, when mounted to the trigger body 18, conceals orcovers the orifice 32.

The shaft 30 comprises a pair of parallel keys 31 which mate withkeyways in a cap 24. The cap 24 comprises an orifice or blind hole (notshown) for receiving the shaft 30. In alternative embodiments the shaft30 may comprise one or more keys 31 or keyways or may comprise a spline.The keys 31 prevent rotation of the cap 24 when mounted upon the shaft30.

A screw (not shown) is mounted into the bore 32 of the shaft 30. Thebore 32 may comprise an internal screw thread. In alternativeembodiments the screw may be a self-tapping screw and may cut into theside wall of the bore 32. Optionally the screw is a grub screw.

The screw can be adjusted to bear against an interior face of the cap24. In this way the position of the cap 24, with respect to the innerface of the trigger body 18, can be adjusted. The cap 24 istranslationally or slideably mounted upon the shaft 30.

In use the pressure sensitive switch is disposed such that the cap 24cannot be unintentionally dislodged from the shaft 30. However, inalternative embodiments, the cap 24 and shaft 30 may comprise an endstop which prevents the cap detaching from the shaft 30. For example,the cylindrical wall of the cap 24 may comprise a bore extendingtherethrough. A second screw may be received in the bore and partiallyextend into the interior of the cap 24. A channel may extendlongitudinally along the shaft 30. The channel may be closed at a firstend distal from the inner face to which the shaft 30 is mounted. Thesecond screw may be received in the channel thereby preventing rotationof the cap 24 with respect to the shaft 30. The closed end of thechannel forms an end stop preventing separation of the cap 24 from theshaft 30.

The cap 24 comprises a projection 25 in the form of a rib which definesa contact surface which bears against the pressure sensitive switch.

The cap 24 and shaft 30 form a telescopic arrangement which can beextended and retracted so as to adjust the distance between the contactsurface and the inner face of the trigger body 18.

The trigger mechanism 6 comprises a resilient biasing mechanism. Theresilient biasing mechanism may take the form of a spring mountedbetween the trigger mechanism 6 and the controller housing 12. Thespring biases the trigger body 18 to a start or rest position. Inalternative embodiments, the resilient biasing mechanism may beincorporated, or integral, with the pressure sensitive switch andarranged such that when the pressure sensitive switch returns to itsunbiased or relaxed condition the trigger body 18 is returned to thestart or rest position.

In embodiments employing a force or pressure sensitive switch, the hairtrigger mechanism may be adjusted such that the cap 24 bears against thepressure sensitive switch and at least partially depresses or activatesthe pressure sensitive switch. In this way the trigger mechanism appliespreload (an adjustable degree of pressure or force) to the pressuresensitive switch. In applications which require a preset magnitude ofpressure or force to be applied to the pressure sensitive switch inorder to initiate a command instruction, the degree of movement of thetrigger body 18 necessary to initiate the command instruction isreduced. In this way the latency of the trigger mechanism 6 is reduced.

In embodiments employing a potentiometer, the start or rest position ofa sliding contact or wiper with respect to a resistive element, withwhich it is in electrical contact, is adjusted.

In embodiments employing a magnetic sensor such as a Hall effect sensor,a magnetic sensor can be mounted or integrally formed with the cap 24.The location of the cap 24 with respect to the magnetic sensor can beadjusted so as to reduce the latency in the trigger movement.

The trigger mechanism 6 comprises an adjustable stop mechanism 16. Theadjustable stop mechanism 16 provides an adjustable end stop forlimiting the range of motion of the trigger body 18. The adjustable stopmechanism 16 defines the maximum displacement or depression of thetrigger body 18 with respect to the back panel 14. The adjustable stopmechanism 16 allows manual adjustment of the depressible range of thetrigger mechanism 6.

The trigger body 18 comprises a base wall 19. The base wall 19 comprisesan aperture A1. The adjustable stop mechanism 16 comprises a detent 17and a rotational mount 28. The rotational mount 28 comprises a snap orpush fitting including two opposed barbs. The detent 17 extends orprojects downwardly from the base wall 19 of the trigger body 18.

The detent 17 comprises a pair of opposed surfaces F1, F2 each of whichmay arrest the travel of the trigger mechanism 6. The detent 17 isdisposed eccentrically or off-center.

The detent 17 is rotatable between a first, stowed, position shown inFIG. 8 and a second, deployed, position shown in FIG. 7. The range ofmotion or degree of travel of the trigger mechanism 6 can be adjusted byrotating the detent 17 between the first and second positions.

In the first position, the second surface F2 faces or opposes the backpanel 14. When the trigger mechanism 6 is depressed sufficiently thesecond surface F2 is brought into contact with a portion of the backpanel 14 thereby arresting the motion of the trigger mechanism 6. In thefirst position, the trigger mechanism 6 is moveable through a range oftravel ‘y’.

In the second position, the first surface F1 faces or opposes the backpanel 14. When the trigger mechanism 6 is depressed sufficiently thefirst surface F1 is brought into contact with a portion of the backpanel 14 thereby arresting the motion of the trigger mechanism 6. In thesecond position, the trigger mechanism 6 is moveable through a range oftravel ‘x’.

The range of travel ‘y’ is greater than the range of travel ‘x’.

The detent 17 is rotatable about an axis extending substantiallyradially or perpendicularly from the base wall 19 of the trigger body18, as shown in FIG. 5.

In some embodiments, the detent 17 is detachable; this may allow agreater or larger range of travel of the trigger mechanism 6.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 to 12, there is shown an alternative embodimentof the present invention. In the second illustrated embodiment likenumerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeitwith the addition of the prefix “100” to indicate that these featuresbelong to the second embodiment. The alternative embodiment shares manycommon features with the first embodiment and therefore only thedifferences from the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8 will bedescribed in any greater detail.

The controller 101 of the second embodiment comprises an elongated faceplate 120. The face plate 120 is detachably mounted to a trigger body118.

The trigger mechanism 106 comprises an adjustable stop mechanism 116.The adjustable stop mechanism 116 provides an adjustable end stop forlimiting the range of motion of the trigger body 118. The adjustablestop mechanism 116 defines the maximum displacement or depression of thetrigger body 118 with respect to the back panel 114. The adjustable stopmechanism 116 allows manual adjustment of the depressible range of thetrigger mechanism 106.

The trigger body 118 comprises a base wall 119. The base wall 119comprises a cutaway or slot S1. The adjustable stop mechanism 116comprises an elongated detent 117 and a rotational mount 128 in the formof a pair of second trunnions 142. The second trunnions 142 arelocatable in a receiver 140 in the form of a partial cylinder. Therotational mount 128 comprises a snap or push fitting for holding thedetent 117 in the receiver 140.

The detent 117 is rotatable between a retracted or stowed position, inwhich the detent 117 lies substantially within the interior of thetrigger body 118, and a deployed position in which the detent 117extends or projects downwardly from the base wall 119 of the triggerbody 118.

The detent 117 comprises a contact surface which arrests the travel ofthe trigger mechanism 106. The detent 117 is disposed eccentrically oroff-center.

The detent 117 optionally comprises a retainer 144, which may take theform of a snap or push fitting, for retaining the detent 117 in thestowed position.

One advantage of the present invention is that it allows adjustments tobe made to the trigger response; such adjustment could be customized tosuit both the nature of the video game that is in use at the time ofoperation, and the skill of the operator. For example, in combat-stylegames involving a shooting function, it is often the case that afterreaching or passing the command initiation point, no further commandsare initiated. In such games further depression of the trigger mechanism6, 106, and hence movement of the displacement transducer or sensor,serves no useful purpose. Therefore the adjustable stop mechanism 16,116, which controls the degree of trigger depression, allows theoperator to restrict the amount of travel available to the trigger body18, 118 to one of the predefined degrees of travel provided by theadjustable stop mechanism 16, 116. The adjustable stop mechanism 16,116, when employing face F1 or face F2, impedes the movement of thetrigger body 18, 118 by striking the housing 12.

Such an adjustment would directly relate to the majority of combat stylegames or other varieties of firing operations in video games.

The faces F1 and F2 could find application in a variety of other videogame genres but for the simplicity of this disclosure, reference is madeto combat style games. In some other gaming styles, such as driving orflight simulations, the trigger buttons 6, 7 are employed for throttlecontrol command function and/or a braking control command function. Inthis application, the degree of depression of the trigger body 18, 118is detected by the displacement transducer. The degree of depression ofthe trigger body 18, 118 is converted into a signal, which signaldirectly relates to a command to be executed by the video game, forexample the amount of acceleration or braking to be applied. In suchgames it may be desirable to be able to fully depress the trigger body18, 118, for example when full depression corresponds to maximumthrottle or maximum braking. Restricting travel of the trigger body 18,118 would restrict the throttle control command function where thedegree of travel of the trigger body 18, 118 is proportional to thespeed of the vehicle of the simulation. In such gaming styles, the faceF1 could be configured to allow full trigger depression. However, itwill be appreciated that in such games it may be desirable to controlthe trigger response by adjustment of the adjustable stop mechanism 16,116, to allow the operator to restrict the braking and acceleratingfunctions of the game, for example restricting maximum throttle settingsand braking level settings for difficult corners.

A further advantage of the present invention is that it minimizes theamount of motion an operator's finger must travel, therefore minimizingthe recovery time after trigger initiation contacts have been made. Thisallows the operator to rapidly commence command prompt repeatedly, or tooperate different commands more quickly. As the movement that isrequired to operate commands by depressing the trigger body 18, 118 isreduced to only that which is required, the risks of any relatedrepetitive strain injury acquired due to the repeated movement of thefinger when operating the trigger function would be greatly reducedthereby providing a health benefit to users.

The present invention provides a readily adjustable device to restrictthe range of movement of the trigger body 18, 118 to one of a pluralityof predefined ranges. A further advantage of this embodiment is that theergonomic design of the controller is not compromised.

Further, it will be appreciated that the adjustable stop mechanism 16,116 can be removed from the trigger body 18, 118. A replacementadjustable stop mechanism 16, 116 can be inserted and secured. Thereplacement may provide additional or alternative predefined ranges ofmotion of the trigger body 18, 118. The adjustable stop mechanism 16,116 may comprise faces which are game specific; that is to say, tailoredto suit a particular game.

Dependent upon the video game being played, it can be necessary todepress the trigger a distance before the trigger initiation point isreached and the command actually acknowledged. This initial movement ofthe trigger body is unnecessary and wasteful. Adjusting the startposition is advantageous since it removes this unnecessary travel, thusreducing the time taken to initiate a command and thereby improving theresponsiveness of the trigger. In combat style games, this can simulatea “hair-trigger” function.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scopeof the present invention. For example, in alternative embodiments, thecap 24 may be omitted. A screw (not shown) may be mounted within thebore 32 of the shaft 30. A first end of the screw may form an abutmentsurface which acts upon a transducer such as a pressure sensor.

In still other embodiments the cap 24 may comprise an internal screwthread and the shaft 30 may comprise an external screw thread matinglyreceived in the internal screw thread. An inner face of the end wall ofthe cap 24 may comprise a screw drive such as a hex drive or torx driveor other suitable arrangement for application of torque to the cap 24.

In this way the cap 24 or the screw or both form a second part of alinear actuator, the shaft forming a first part of a linear actuator,the position of the second part with respect to the first part beingmanually adjustable so as to alter the linear dimension of the linearactuator. The linear actuator is in communication with a transducer orsensor which determines the position of the depressible triggermechanism with respect to the housing of the controller.

It will be recognized that as used herein, directional references suchas “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, “end”, “side”, “inner”, “outer”,“upper” and “lower” do not limit the respective features to suchorientation, but merely serve to distinguish these features from oneanother.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed, numerous variations and alternate embodiments will occur tothose skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A trigger mechanism for a games controller forcontrolling electronic games, the trigger mechanism comprising: atrigger body having a plurality of walls including a front wall, theplurality of walls defining an interior chamber of the trigger body, thefront wall comprising an inner surface and an outer surface; an actuatorcomprising a first component mounted on the inner surface of the frontwall; a bore extending from the outer surface of the front wall to theinterior chamber and defining a bore within the first component coupledto a second component coupled to the first component and a screw threadfor adjusting the position of the second component with respect to thefirst component.
 2. The trigger mechanism of claim 1 wherein the secondcomponent comprises an external screw thread and is rotatably mountedwithin the bore.
 3. The trigger mechanism of claim 2 wherein the secondcomponent comprises a first end forming an abutment surface.
 4. Thetrigger mechanism of claim 1 wherein the first component comprises anexternal thread and the second component comprises an internal threadwhich receives the external thread of the first component and the boreprovides access to a screw drive enabling torque to be applied to thesecond component.
 5. The trigger mechanism of claim 1 wherein the secondcomponent is in communication with a transducer, and wherein adjustmentof the position of the second component with respect to the firstcomponent affects an electrical characteristic of the transducer.
 6. Thetrigger mechanism of claim 1 wherein the second component comprises anabutment surface for abutment with a transducer.
 7. The triggermechanism of claim 6 wherein the transducer is a pressure sensor.
 8. Thetrigger mechanism of claim 1 wherein the second component comprises amagnet for actuating a magnetic sensor.
 9. The trigger mechanism ofclaim 1 wherein the second component is coupled to a potentiometer so asto adjust an electrical characteristic of the potentiometer.
 10. Thetrigger mechanism of claim 1 further comprising a face plate detachablymounted to the trigger body, the face plate concealing the orifice inthe front wall.
 11. An apparatus for supplying user inputs to a computerprogram, such as a game program, for controlling the game program, theapparatus comprising at least one depressible trigger mechanismaccording to claim
 1. 12. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising atrigger mechanism, the trigger mechanism comprising: a trigger bodyhaving a plurality of walls defining an internal chamber, the pluralityof walls including a base wall and an orifice defined in the base wall;a detent detachably mounted on the trigger body, the detent at leastpartially received in the orifice and wherein the detent is rotatablewith respect to the trigger body; the detent comprising at least oneabutment surface, eccentrically arranged with respect to the rotationalaxis of the detent.